Dr. Mary Gardner, co-founder of Lap of Love, explains the critical distinctions between geriatric, palliative, and hospice care for dogs. Key Topics: The difference between palliative care and hospice care. Recognizing when a dog has moved from senior to geriatric. How caregiver burden plays a role in a dog’s end-of-life care. Signs of aging versus illness in dogs. The importance of managing mobility issues in older dogs. Understanding pain and how to manage it in aging and sick dogs. The role o...
Sep 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 256
Dr. Charlotte Hacker, a wildlife biologist, has some worrying news about the chemicals commonly found in plastics, such as BPA and phthalates. These and other harsh chemicals in plastics are known to disrupt endocrine systems in both humans and dogs. From developmental issues to cancer, Dr. Hacker outlines the risks associated with plastic exposure and gives practical advice on how to reduce your dog's contact with harmful plastics. Topics Covered: Chemicals found in plastics (BPA, phthalates, a...
Sep 16, 2024•51 min•Ep. 255
When cancer makes your dog’s body its home, changes occur. Sometimes those changes are deep in the body, undetectable. But others show up as lethargy, weight loss, digestive upset, and, sometimes, physical lumps and bumps you can feel. Dr. David Vail, a veterinary oncologist at the University of Wisconsin, joins us to discuss the early warning signs of dog cancer. Every time we catch cancer early, we improve the potential for a positive outcome! Key Takeaways: Importance of Early Detection: Catc...
Sep 02, 2024•28 min•Ep. 254
Today we dive deep into the world of veterinary nutrition with Dr. Lindsey Bullen, one of the few board-certified veterinary nutritionists in private practice. The right diet can make a significant difference in managing your dog’s cancer and overall health. Dr. Bullen shares her insights on home-cooked diets, the importance of diagnostics, cancer-specific dietary needs, and much more. Quotes: "Every single pet presents a puzzle, even if they have the same disease state." - Dr. Lindsey Bullen "M...
Aug 19, 2024•50 min•Ep. 253
Surgery is stressful, but after it’s over … it gets worse. You have a lot of things to do at home! Knowing what to expect and how to manage the healing and recovery process makes a difference. Join host James Jacobson and Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician, for an in-depth discussion of how to help your dog heal comfortably and quickly. This is part three of a three-part series on canine surgery. Part 1: Dog Surgery Pre-Op Checklist for Dog Owners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWHn...
Aug 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 252
Host James Jacobson is joined by Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician with extensive experience assisting with dog surgery. She’s got terrific insights into how you can optimize your dog’s experience on their big day. This is part two of a three-part series on canine surgery. Part 1: Dog Surgery Pre-Op Checklist for Dog Owners https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWHnMNzc5HA Key Points Covered: · Why No Breakfast Is Safer · How to Be Prepared AND On Time · Why You’ll See So Many Shaved Area...
Jul 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 251
Host James Jacobson is joined by Kate Basedow, a seasoned veterinary technician with extensive experience in preparing dogs for surgery. Kate shares essential tips on how to ensure the best possible outcome on your dog’s big day. Whether you're facing a routine procedure or a complex operation, Kate's insights will help you feel more confident and prepared. This is part one of a three-part series on canine surgery. Key Points Covered: · Importance and benefits of pre-anesthetic blood work. · Tip...
Jul 22, 2024•24 min•Ep. 250
Veterinary oncologist and DogCancer.com contributor Dr. Megan Duffy joins James Jacobson to discuss how to get the most out of that expensive specialist consult. Whether you are planning on pursuing treatments or not, there are ways to maximize your consult. Key Points Discussed · Expect a Lengthy Visit: Oncology appointments can take at least an hour due to the detailed discussions about your pet's diagnosis, treatment options, and overall care plan. · Bring Medical Records: Ensure you have a c...
Jul 08, 2024•27 min•Ep. 249
Molly Jacobson discusses how to recognize the signs that your beloved dog might be in the last months, weeks, or days of their life. Articles about the end of life: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/hospice-and-end-of-life/signs-your-dog-is-dying/ https://www.dogcancer.com/perspectives/hospice-and-end-of-life/warning-signs-dog-is-dying/ Signs Often Seen Starting in the Last Months of Life: 1. Weight Loss, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFPUYZtPJ_8 2. Loss of Appetite, see https://www.youtu...
Jun 24, 2024•19 min•Ep. 248
Host James Jacobson sits down with Dr. Jules Benson to discuss the latest innovation in dog health care, the Pet Health Zone. A frequent guest and valued contributor, Dr. Benson shares how this new tool leverages vast amounts of data from Nationwide, the largest pet health insurance company in the U.S., to provide dog owners with valuable insights into their pets' health risks. They explore the benefits of this tool, how it simplifies complex medical information, and the role of pet health insur...
Jun 10, 2024•50 min•Ep. 247
Inspired by Heather’s listener question about using radiation therapy to treat transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) in dogs, Dr. Megan Duffy, a veterinary oncologist, shares her expert insights on when radiation is recommended, how it complements other treatments like surgery and chemotherapy, and the importance of effective communication with your veterinary oncologist. Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Megan Duffy’s insights on the use of radiation therapy in treating TCC. The role of surgery, chemothera...
May 27, 2024•18 min•Ep. 246
Molly Jacobson, editor-in-chief of DogCancer.com, uses story to explore the emotional and practical aspects of dealing dog cancer. She tells YOUR dog cancer story right alongside YOUR DOG’s cancer story ... along the way offering insights into how to navigate your journey with more grace and empathy, while focusing on life quality and the deep connection you share with your dog. Don’t miss the story at the end about the pediatric oncologist who extended his dog’s life using drive-through cheeseb...
May 13, 2024•30 min•Ep. 245
Today we explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on veterinary medicine, focusing mainly on cancer research and treatment. Our guest, Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Scientific Programs and Communications Adviser at Morris Animal Foundation, shares her insights on how AI is changing the game in diagnosing and managing diseases in dogs. What You'll Learn: How the Morris Animal Foundation has been pioneering veterinary research since 2008. Insights into the groundbreaking Golden ...
Apr 29, 2024•56 min•Ep. 244
Inspired by a question from listener Mariana Diaz regarding her Pomeranian, Joya, who is battling lymphoma, this episode explores the potential of T-cell infusions as a follow-up treatment to the CHOP chemotherapy protocol. Join us as we consult with veterinary oncologist Dr. Megan Duffy to uncover the science, the practicality, and the future of T-cell infusions in canine cancer treatment. Join our Facebook support group at https://www.dogcancer.com/support Your Voice Matters! If you have a que...
Apr 15, 2024•18 min•Ep. 243
ELIAS Animal Health CEO Tammie Wahaus returns to Dog Cancer Answers to talk about the company’s immunotherapy for dogs with osteosarcoma, which recently cleared an important milestone on the way to market. ELIAS hopes their treatment will be accepted and used as a safe and appropriate alternative to chemotherapy in dogs with osteosarcoma. Instead of using chemotherapy to control metastasis, ELIAS uses the dog’s tumor to create a series of vaccines. Once the dog has the vaccinations, their immune...
Apr 01, 2024•40 min•Ep. 242
Is Palladia safe? Does it have a lot of side effects? Does giving my dog a cancer drug at home multiple times a week make my dog “toxic”? Can my dog with other health problems take this drug safely? Palladia was approved for dogs with high-grade mast cell tumors in dogs over a decade ago. But since then, veterinary oncologists have started using it in many solid tumor types. They’ve also tweaked the doses to lessen the risk of side effects. Veterinary oncologist Dr. Megan Duffy joins us for an i...
Mar 18, 2024•47 min•Ep. 241
When Sheila Cooperman’s husband said he wanted a dog, she said that was fine and good, but it would be HIS responsibility. Then she met Tucker, the Boykin Spaniel, and transformed into a full-fledged Dog Mom. When Tucker died suddenly of lymphoma last year, Sheila, a teacher with decades of experience and a literacy expert, turned to writing to help herself cope. Her “Friday posts” on social media are turning into books. Sheila’s message that “writing is for everyone; you don’t have to be a writ...
Mar 04, 2024•38 min•Ep. 240
If you’re trying to decide between dog euthanasia or a natural death, Molly Jacobson, editor-in-chief at DogCancer.com, has a dog cancer tip for you. Turning your thoughts around and understanding what death really is can help you help your dog at this most tender time. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listener Line for a future show! Related Videos: Podcast episode with more dog cancer tips on how to ...
Feb 19, 2024•18 min•Ep. 239
A company in Raleigh, North Carolina, is using worms to sniff dog urine for cancer metabolites. It’s a simple, non-invasive, relatively inexpensive way to screen for cancer. Could this test catch cancer early enough to make a dent in the number of dogs who succumb to their #1 killer? Six to ten million dogs are diagnosed with cancer every year in the U.S. alone, and veterinarians think half of those cases could be treated and cured if caught early. But our canine companions are naturally stoic, ...
Feb 05, 2024•52 min•Ep. 238
Patrick writes in about his Irish Setter puppy’s bladder cancer. Could it be something he did that caused such a young dog – in a line of relatively cancer-free dogs – to get cancer? Dr. Lauren Barrow explains what could have caused his dog’s cancer and reassures him that it’s not his fault. Plus, what he can do next for his dog with transitional cell carcinoma. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listene...
Jan 22, 2024•20 min•Ep. 237
Osteosarcoma in dogs is bad news upon bad news. First, you hear your dog has cancer. Second, you hear that the best treatment is amputation. WHAT?? It’s depressing and scary as heck. Well, there’s a brand-new treatment (to veterinary medicine) available: bone cement. Cementoplasty has been used to help stabilize human bones for decades … and now it’s being used in dogs with bone cancer. Join us for a deep dive into the bare bones, elegant technique offered by TheraVet S.A., a company headquarter...
Jan 08, 2024•35 min•Ep. 236
Dog cancer mom Molly Jacobson has been helping thousands of people facing dog cancer since 2007, and she’s got a perspective on dog cancer that will help you every second of every minute you have left with your dog. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listener Line for a future show! Related Videos: Podcast episode with more dog cancer tips on how to handle change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHWVGRjU...
Dec 25, 2023•14 min•Ep. 235
Dog cancer mom Molly Jacobson has been helping thousands of people facing dog cancer since 2007, and she’s here to share seven practical tips associated with handling change. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listener Line for a future show! Related Videos: Podcast episode on apoptosis, normal cell turnover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqaofR4XtBU&t=1132s Related Links: Read Molly’s article abou...
Dec 11, 2023•28 min•Ep. 234
How do you get a dog to eat that refuses to do so? Force doesn’t work. Neither does pleading. And panicking certainly doesn’t help … but we all tend to panic when our dogs won’t eat. So, what do we do? Veterinarian, teacher, and veterinary nutrition expert Dr. Susan Recker joins us for an enlightening discussion about why dogs don’t eat, and what we can do to help them. Whether the cause is nausea or pain, she has tips and advice about when to worry about not eating and not drinking, and when to...
Nov 27, 2023•44 min•Ep. 233
Sometimes you only find out you and your partner have dramatically different perspectives after disaster strikes. It’s hard enough to cope with a dog cancer diagnosis on your own; when you also fight with your most important person, the trouble triples. Social worker Jeannine Moga has spent fifteen years in veterinary hospitals helping animal lovers with difficult decisions of all kinds, from how to handle veterinary expenses to when to choose euthanasia. Host Molly Jacobson is joined by special...
Nov 13, 2023•40 min•Ep. 232
Taking care of a dog or other pet adds up over time. In addition to the daily overhead expenses of food and shelter, there’s the yearly expenses of routine vet care. But what about other expenses? Dr. Amanda Hensley estimates that on average, there is about $10,000 in “unanticipated” medical expenses over the course of a lifetime. Pet insurance can help cover those costs – and is probably going to cost you less over the lifetime of your pet than going without it. So says our guest Dr. Amanda Hen...
Oct 30, 2023•46 min•Ep. 231
When Elaine Ostrander decided to focus her genetics work on dogs, some of her colleagues thought she’d lost her way. But she’s proven, over and over, that comparing dog genes to human genes unlocks many secrets and leads to solid therapies. “The days of doing a siloed approach to science are long gone,” Dr. Ostrander declares. And she has every right to. We join guest host James Jacobson for a mind-expanding conversation with Dr. Ostrander of the National Institute of Health. We learn so much ab...
Oct 16, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 230
If Dr. Nicole Sheehan sees a liver working too hard in routine blood work, she moves to a detox protocol as a matter of course, and especially if the dog has cancer. Why? Because an overworked liver struggles to clear the body of toxins. That’s no good for any state of health! Regardless of whether dogs are overburdened by their environment, a genetic mutation, or both, a liver detox can support the body. How to do it? Simple milk thistle – a widely available supplement. And: regular bathing. In...
Oct 02, 2023•54 min•Ep. 229
It’s so exciting when a familiar drug in one area shows promise as a new treatment for another health problem. Researchers and clinicians pay attention, especially when the drug is inexpensive and easily tolerated. Such is the case with Panacur (fenbendazole), a dewormer that has caught the attention of cancer researchers. It’s early days of studying its effects on cancer, but some people want to start using it now! And no wonder. It’s mechanism of action is the same one used by several well-kno...
Sep 18, 2023•33 min•Ep. 228
Enter the fascinating world of cell death, where nosy neighbors can tell each other to “die, already” … and cells can wake up one day and realize there’s something very, very wrong. Also learn how cancer manipulates the conscientious cells to make them blissfully unaware of their own wrongdoing … or holds them hostage while they desperately, desperately try to do the right thing and kill themselves for the good of everyone. It’s a glimpse into a world where cells seem sentient, and one could alm...
Sep 04, 2023•33 min•Ep. 227
